Camaraderie. Brotherhood. Loyalty.

Camaraderie. Brotherhood. Loyalty. Words used to describe the biker lifestyle. I recently had the opportunity to attend an ATV/UTV ride in the Northwoods. The riders in that sport are a lot like us. They are not afraid to open their wallets for a fundraiser or to help someone else. They are generous, polite, and respectful. They have their own hand signal codes to communicate. They join clubs and do fundraisers to keep their trails open. They want E-10 or less fuel for their machines and they like their internal combustion engines (ICE).

We spoke with several of them about ABATE and the MRF and how our interests align. We said we had raffle tickets for sale to support what we do. They opened their wallets immediately. A couple of bikers further down the bar overheard us and perked up. One said, “you look familiar” so we went and chatted with them; said we remembered them from an event I spoke at last year. At that time, they were staying in the shadows and didn’t want us “pushing” ABATE on them. I feel like we’ve definitely made progress since then and hope they will be ready to join soon. We’re hoping to run into them again in a few weeks when we’re back up there.

On our last stop of the weekend, we ran into a guy wearing an ABATE patch, so, of course, we started a conversation. He gave the usual story of “I used to be a member, but I didn’t have time for the meetings and a lot of my riding buddies aren’t around anymore.” After some pleasant conversation, he is considering joining again.

What does all that have to do with the MRF? Our wants and needs are aligned just like the off-roaders and bikers have similar goals. The MRF and ABATE of WI have similar goals. The more people we can get working together, the stronger our voices are.

The automotive aftermarket is on board with Right to Repair and Right to Modify. If we can keep reaching out to organizations with similar interests and show them we are all together on this, we have a much better opportunity to be successful getting our bills passed. There’s strength in numbers.

I challenge all of you to reach out to your friends, whether they four-wheel, ride snowmobiles, have street rods, tractors, or whatever. Let’s keep the momentum going. Let’s get people educated so we can hit the ground running in the 2025-26 legislative session. Election day will be here soon and it’s imperative that you vote if you are eligible. But before you vote, educate yourself on what the candidates stand for. And ask them if they are willing to step up and stand with us in freedom. Will they support our desire to ride what we want, when we want, where we want, and how we want?

Stay vigilant, my friends,

Jen

ABATE of WI

Board of Directors